The moon, however, was just one of the stars in this shimmering, celestial collection, which was inspired by the sky at night.

Armani played the "master astronomer", choosing fabrics which twinkled like stars or were as glossy as midnight. Opalescent organza, glistening gold, "aurora borealis" jacquards and pearl-white ostrich skin created a dazzling fashion firmament on the catwalk in the Palais de Chaillot.

The moon herself, was a constant refrain, reflected in silver crescent brooches which fastened the sculpted jackets; in the graceful curves of collars, half-moon lapels, and undulating peplums and skirts which traced a graceful arc around the shoulders, hips and legs of the models.

Silk tulle and reflective micro-organzas, in shades of palest eau de nil, shell-pink and lemon mirrored the Milky Way, while claire de lune sequins on cuffs and hems enhanced the ethereal effect.

Trouser-suits, in particular, evoked an almost space age quality, cleaving to the silhouette, and seamed in ergonomic lines to flare out over the ankle.

In total contrast were gowns, as black as Deep Space, in glistening, pearlised sequins, which were ingeniously draped and folded over one shoulder to create a wave of shawl or cape.

Shorter, bustier dresses with fitted pencil skirts, were embellished with a crescent-shaped, overskirt and encrusted with moon-like crystals.

Another dress, in shimmering paillettes, was enclosed within a silver, translucent 'globe' of micro-organza. A strapless ball gown, its bodice a dazzling constellation of sequins and crystals, descended to an orb-like, rise-and-fall skirt, in liquid-metal-effect lamé.

Tina Turner, who has just finished touring, was among the front row celebrities, with the actresses, Anne Hathaway and Marianne Cotillard.

"It was spectacular," Tina Turner said. "I can't wait to get on stage in some of those dresses."

Anne Hathaway, said she would find it impossible to choose
one
favourite dress. "There were at least six, or more, I can't wait to wear; and I have a lot of red carpet events coming up."